Publisher's Summary

Michael J. Fox abandoned high school to pursue an acting career, but went on to receive honorary degrees from several universities and garner the highest accolades for his acting, as well as for his writing. In his new book, he inspires and motivates graduates to recognize opportunities, maximize their abilities, and roll with the punches - all with his trademark optimism, warmth, and humor.

In A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future, Michael draws on his own life experiences to make a case that real learning happens when “life goes skidding sideways”. He writes of coming to Los Angeles from Canada at age 18 and attempting to make his way as an actor.

Fox offers up a comically skewed take on how, in his own way, he fulfilled the requirements of a college syllabus. He learned economics as a starving artist; an unexpected turn as a neophyte activist schooled him in political science; and his approach to comparative literature involved stacking books up against their movie versions.

Replete with personal stories and hilarious anecdotes, Michael J. Fox’s new book is the perfect gift for graduates and fans.

Michael again entertains and delights with his playful reading. Enjoyed hearing (between the lines) the maturity, perspective and focus he's developed over the last few years. I actually think I could listen to this again and that doesn't happen often.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Phil

Newcastle, Australia

24/01/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Thoroughly Enjoyable!!"

I loved this and have listened too it a couple of times! Fox's narration is swift, funny and too the point. Very easy to listen too.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Anonymous

23/07/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"Let's hear it from M J Fox himself"

Would you listen to A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future again? Why?

I have listened to it several times because it is an interesting life-story

What did you like best about this story?

Michael is very open about things and knows how to tell a good story.

What does Michael J. Fox bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

no one can tell the story better than himself

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had lots of laughs when listening, but also learnt to know that he had a tough start in his career.

Any additional comments?

M J talks a little fast but that's not a problem for me, if that's a problem for you just rewind and listen again, it's worth it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Tea

17/06/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Was like an extended commencement speech"

Not sure if this book was geared toward young adults. It was a bit cursory and prescriptive.... I would have liked a bit more story telling and may be a little less philosophizing... I do love him though....and I wish him and his family the best....

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Melanie

Tehachapi, CA, United States

19/02/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Nice little autobiography"

What did you love best about A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future?

I like Michael J. Fox and it was interesting to hear about his road to fame.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Tanisha

Meriden, CT, United States

17/10/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"Wasted credit"

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Someone looking for a short inspirational speech

Has A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future turned you off from other books in this genre?

No

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He spoke quickly and sometimes his speech was disjointed. I know why but I wish it was better.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It was a funny short story but a book it was not.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

TechFan

Ohio

11/08/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"a snapshot into the life of Michael J. Fox"

What made the experience of listening to A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future the most enjoyable?

It was enjoyable because his humor comes through it every situation he discusses.

What does Michael J. Fox bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

hearing it in his own words gives you more insight into what is being said.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no

Any additional comments?

It was more effective coming from him rather than an interview on tv.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Anne Antonelli

4/02/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"Absolutely Love Michael J. Fox as an author!"

If you could sum up A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future in three words, what would they be?

I love his candor and his straight forward message. I think every high school and college graduate should listen to this!

Which scene was your favorite?

I like how Michael parallels his life lessons to many people's college lessons.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

David

Concord, NC, United States

29/01/11

Overall

"Not too happy so far he talks too fast in thisone"

Well I adore michael but so far unlike always looking up im only on chapter 2 so far but he talks really really fast in this one at first it took awhile to verify it was him narrating im having a really hard time understanding him hes talking so fast

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

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Janet

Stockwood, Bristol, United Kingdom

18/08/10

Overall

"A Pleasure"

A lovely, light appreciation of life in all it's guises.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Jay

Colchester, United Kingdom

13/04/13

Overall

"A guide for life"

MJF, as most of us with chronic degenerative illnesses (mine's MS) has a very philosophical slant on life. Instead of whining "Why me?" we shrug our shoulders and say "hey, why NOT me?" The author delivers his life lessons with his usual good humour and accepting style; I have a son due to start Uni next year - I'll be packing him a copy..

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

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